Are you listening to Astronomy.FM? If not, you should join the audience of over 25,000 listeners in 85 countries who are enjoying this amazing free service. Astronomy.FM is billed as “The only all-Astronomy radio station in the Known Universe.” You can listen to this one-of-a-kind radio station on-line anytime, as it is streaming 24 hours a day and it includes both wonderful original astronomy programming and replays of many great astronomy shows and podcasts including Astronomy Cast, 365 Days of Astronomy, Planetary Radio, 60-Second Science and Slacker Astronomy, and also they have just recently added the Weekly Space Hangouts to their lineup. They also have science and astronomy news – the kind of stuff you really want to hear! (As Astronomy.FM announcer Rob Berthiaume said, “Who cares about Snooki? Give me more supernovae!”
What is really awesome about Astronomy.FM (besides their great programming) is that it is an all-volunteer organization. Everyone who you hear on-air does it for their love of astronomy.
Right now, Astronomy.FM is having their annual funding drive. They are trying to raise $6,000 for their annual budget. Can you imagine – running a 24-hour radio station for just $6,000 USD?? All revenue is spent on hardware, software, radio programming, and broadcast bandwidth. And 100% of their operational costs are funded solely by listener donations. They receive no government or commercial support, and none of their team members are paid. But, as you can imagine, the streaming fees alone are significant. In addition, with their growing listenership, they also are in need of a back-up server and advanced digital broadcast technology.
Astronomy.FM has some wonderful talent. On-air personality and Program Director Michael Foerster has an amazing voice that I could listen to all day, as well as having a wealth of knowledge about space and astronomy. Rob Keown, Tavi Greiner, and Marleen Bryan are also just some of the other wonderful voices you’ll hear on Astronomy.FM.
If you are already a listener, please consider donating to make sure this great service can remain online. If you aren’t familiar with Astronomy.FM, check it out, and enjoy all their great programming. And then consider supporting it. If you are interested in sharing your talents, here’s the “Contact” page for Astronomy.FM
Anything you can contribute will make a big difference, as they need to make their goal of $6,000 soon. I just donated and I hope you will too.
Heck they even play Cheap Astronomy podcasts. I donated too.
Wow, this just made our day! Thank you for your support!
Wow Nancy – thank you!
“If you are interested in sharing your talents, here’s the “Contact” page for Astronomy.FM” We are an all-volunteer internet radio station, with a wonderful mix of pro+am astronomers, broadcast pros, social mavens, and lots of folks who just love the sky; our volunteers pitch in from all around the world.
Nancy, a small correction if I may? In your article you mention “Rob York”; I think that you were so smitten by the Snooki supernova snark that you crossed two factoids – he’s Rob Berthiaume, of York University, Toronto – professional astronomer, and a radio natural!
(And Steve – thank you too mate!)
Cheers! ~Michael Foerster
Program Director / Astronomy.FM
Oops! Having worked with Rob on 365 Days of Astronomy and knowing of his affiliation, “York” is exactly how my brain spelled “Berthiaume.” Thanks!
Wonder if I can get them on my Roku?
Answered my own question… TuneIn app can play them.
Yassss… I like! and will contribute as soon as I am able! Definitely two thumbs up….
Thank you everybody! We reached our fundraising goal on Friday, giving us the opportunity to bring you another year of Astronomy.FM*Radio. Your enthusiasm has inspired us and we will continue to work hard to bring you astronomy radio that is worthy of your support, and your ears.
Our slogan is “The Voice of Astronomy”; we have SkyGuides (what we call our announcers and social media mavens) from Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Israel, Okinawa, the U.S., the U.K., New Zealand, Canada, and a bunch more places – and we’d love to add >your< voice too!
Would you care to join us, and share your love of the Universe?
Sincerely – Astronomy.FM's SkyGuides: Megan, Rob, Marcia, Marleen, Paul, Jason, Nick, Tony, Michael, Ricky, Tavi, Joshua, Sam, Diane, Paul, Nick, Bill, John, Richie, Rob, Marty, Craig, Lianne, John, Iain, John, Michael, John, Jesse, John, Jeff, Becca, Louis, Ted, Terri, Jenny, and Kochava